Measure would prevent Hawaii governor, mayors from having second jobs

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has a lucrative second job at Territorial Savings Bank, and that's raised concerns with members of the state Legislature.

Now, legislators are considering a proposal that would prevent acting governors and mayors from having second jobs. The bill doesn't apply to certain types of compensation — such as income from rental properties, stocks, or mutual funds.

House Bill 71 moved forward Thursday with amendments after committee review.

Lawmakers who support the bill believe that second jobs could provide conflicts of interest and distract city employees from pursuing their central public duties.

In Caldwell's case, the Honolulu Ethic's Commission decided that his position on the bank board did not pose a conflict of interest.

In 2016, Caldwell made between $200,000 and $300,000 from his side job as a director at Territorial Savings, in addition to the almost $165,000 he makes yearly from the city.

"Both governors and mayors wield disproportionate amounts of power and influence in the state," said State Rep. Aaron Johnson, chair of the House Committee of Labor and Public Employment. "I think we want to ensure there are strong safeguards making sure there are no perceptions of conflict or actual conflict."

If adopted, the proposal would also provide a transition period after an election so the governor or mayor could leave their second jobs.

According to Johanson, the bill would only apply to the governor and mayor because legislators already only work part-time, with just 60 work days on the calendar.

In addition, Johanson says that legislators are only allowed to have second jobs that further connect state workers to their communities.